What are the odds?

[Becky HR Girl 0]

I've been thinking a lot of having lap band for quite some time now. I only recently started taking the steps towards possibly making that happen.

Based on the below and your experience, think I'll be approved? Maybe?

I'm 208lbs. I'm 5'5". But, when I went in for my intial appointment my doc said I seemed more like 5'4', which would mean that I am only 3 pounds from the 100 pound mark. I'm on Tricare Standard (south region) and they require at least 100 pounts overweight with comorbidities. Only, I'm not sure if you need just one or more health issues.

My health issues are that I have slightly elevated blood pressure and pre-diabetic according to my PCP. He did not feel I needed meds. His suggestion was lose weight....I even asked for weight loss drugs and he said "no." That's when I started to consider lap band.

So, knowing my weight and only being 3 pounds with my health issues (if they are issues) think I have a shot?

Will I get weighed again to see if I meet the weight requirement or is the initial weigh in the deciding factor?

Any input is appreciated.

[Rachel412 116]

You need to have a BMI of 35 or over with at least one comorbidity (if you're 5'4" your BMI is just over 35). You need to have been diagnosed with diabetes or high blood pressure in order for it to count as a co-morbidity... "almost" doesn't count. You also usually need your primary care doctor to tell your insurance company that you are a good candidate for the surgery. If it doesn't seem like your doctor would be willing to do that for you, then your choices are to gain a little more weight and find a new doctor, or to look into self payment.

Initial weight (the first time you have an appointment at the surgeon's office) is what counts to be approved, because many people are made to lose weight in order to be approved for the surgery.

Soooo. Do I think you presently have a shot at being approved by your insurance? No, not quite But you should call them and see, as every insurance company is different.

I've been thinking a lot of having lap band for quite some time now. I only recently started taking the steps towards possibly making that happen.

Based on the below and your experience, think I'll be approved? Maybe?

I'm 208lbs. I'm 5'5". But, when I went in for my intial appointment my doc said I seemed more like 5'4', which would mean that I am only 3 pounds from the 100 pound mark. I'm on Tricare Standard (south region) and they require at least 100 pounts overweight with comorbidities. Only, I'm not sure if you need just one or more health issues.

My health issues are that I have slightly elevated blood pressure and pre-diabetic according to my PCP. He did not feel I needed meds. His suggestion was lose weight....I even asked for weight loss drugs and he said "no." That's when I started to consider lap band.

So, knowing my weight and only being 3 pounds with my health issues (if they are issues) think I have a shot?

Will I get weighed again to see if I meet the weight requirement or is the initial weigh in the deciding factor?

Any input is appreciated.